Movie Stories
Devadas Malli Puttadu Story
The film is based on the concept of reincarnation, an idea sparked in the mindset of director Dasari Narayana Rao, who wanted to provide a storybook ending to Bengali tragic, iconic love tale Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s Devadas. It begins with Devadas leaving her breath before Parvati’s residence. She rushes towards the closed door and collapses. Years roll by, and Aruna, a naughty girl, brings up her sister and brother-in-law, who splash reflections every night. After a medical checkup, Aruna proclaims that a stranger is calling and taking her far away, and she can detect him. Besides, Sridhar, a young charm and famous singer, is the son of Zamindar Sripathi Raja. He falls for their Manager Maruti Rao’s daughter, Shanti. Knowing it, Sripati rebukes when Sridhar affirms his decision to knit Shanti. Thereupon, his father shows the danger of suicide, yet Sridhar stands bolder and exits. On the move in train, Aruna, too, fortuitously boards when she blackouts. Soon, he admits her to the hospital and proceeds. Meanwhile, Sripati passes away out of bankruptcy, leaving full of debts. To keep up his father’s honor, Sridhar conducts consorts with Shanti and strives hard.
One night, Aruna inadvertently walks out and reaches a rotten structure. Viewing Devadas’s photograph, she asserts it is her residence, and she is Chandramukhi, a courtesan whom he pledged to conjoin in the next life. In tandem, Sridhar triumphs in his task and sets foot to splice Shanti. Tragically, an accident ends with Shanti’s death. Thus, Sridhar hits the bottle and turns into an alcoholic. At that time, Aruna attends his recital when her eccentricity hikes, identifying him, and she divulges totality with all proofs of evidence. The doctors advise a distinct strategy to catch Sridhar for Aruna’s survival. Ergo, they plead with him, who agrees as per humanity. Whereat, Chandramukhi makes diverse attempts to awaken the memories of Devadas but in vain. Anyhow, Sridhar quits because he does not want to hoodwink her further. Being on a drinking spree, Sridhar falls on the pavement. Hereupon, Parvati spots and carries him by recognizing him as her Devadas. Following this, she starts ministry in Sridhar, with faith that her Devadas is back to fulfill his vow, for which she is still alive. They go to their village, Ravulapalli, where Devadas revisits his history through their childhood events. Parvati states that Chandramukhi also died at his grave and was buried therein. Parvati declares that Chandramukhi must currently gain Devadas’s love, and they rush to her. Till then, Aruna, in an insane state, lands at her old building and starts dancing, offering her life. At last, Devadas and Parvati arrive and shield her. Finally, the movie ends happily with Parvati departing, uniting the turtle doves.

Director: Dasari Narayana Rao
Cast (highlights): Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Vanisri; with Gummadi, Jaya Prada
Genre: Drama (reincarnation)
Notability: Spiritual sequel to ANR’s classic “Devadasu” (1953); music by S. Rajeswara Rao.
Critical Reception: Curio value for the ‘Devadas reborn’ conceit; mixed critical reception.
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